gifted a Vector

[gnossos]

So far I find it quite reliable. I haven't read much about this brand but the way it acts I'm assuming it's a quartz lighter like a Colibri. I had a colibri that died three times in a row and was replaced for free each time. After it died a fourth time I gave up.

I also have a Mastro de Paja lighter that is in a very similar style to old boy. I found the fluid didn't last too long. I tend to use Bics.

In any case, I have heard flint lighters are always better and that quartz can junk out real quick, but so far I like this Vector, and it's cheaper than an Old Boy (which I would buy if I wasn't worried about running out of fluid so quickly, like with my Paja).

Bics are reliable and let you know when they're dying very nicely, but I will say having a nice pipe lighter while it works is a lot, lot nicer than a bic. Or matches for that matter.

[Drifter]

Been through a number of various lighters in the last 30+ years. The ones I still find the most reliable, the most often, are the humble Bic disposable, the IMCO G77R (refillable, butane, flint ignition) and when really windy outdoors, the venerable Zippo.

[RonniB]

The IMCO G77R is as rugged as an anvil. My first one lasted 8 years before it simply wore out. I have 2 more for my shop use, and a couple more in the drawer for when these finally wear out.

Originally Posted by Drifter

Been through a number of various lighters in the last 30+ years. The ones I still find the most reliable, the most often, are the humble Bic disposable, the IMCO G77R (refillable, butane, flint ignition) and when really windy outdoors, the venerable Zippo.

[gnossos]

The Vector is nice, IMCO is great, but BICs can't be beaten

[petersonguy]

I always take Wikipedia with a grain of salt.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezo_ignition

Seems to me I remember hearing that they're good for c. 30,000 lights. Dunno...

I definitely concur with the altitude problem. Tried one on a trip to Boulder, and it completely failed me.